Abstract

Conical refraction is a beautiful optical effect predicted by Hamilton in 1832, occurring in the optics of crystals in which light travels differently in different directions. When observed soon afterwards, it caused a sensation. It was the first application of his general approach to optics and mechanics, that later bore spectacular fruit as the basis for quantum theory. There are many refinements, some understood only recently. Today, conical refraction appears in a new perspective, as a prototype system, still slightly mysterious, in modern “singular optics”.

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